Art Grant for New Book Project

It’s an exciting day! I’ve received a Community Art Gathering Grant from the BeWildReWild Fund at the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. The grant is to create my newest children’s book – about growing up off the grid in rural Iowa. I’m filled with gratitude to have this opportunity.

The book will have a series of twenty watercolor paintings. Here I am with the very first drawing, all ready to paint. This one is, “Lupita Canning Corn.” These are the largest paintings I’ve ever made, by far. (The new paintings are 12×12 inches and I usually make 5×7 size.)

I’ve also added a new element to the Lupita paintings…a background. I’m experimenting with gauche paint for the background work. It’s challenging and exciting, both.

My favorite part of painting again is sharing the experience with my sons. The Captain is fascinated by Mama painting and joins me at the table to watch what I’m up to.

I’ll post updates on my new project here on my blog and also on my Emily Lupita Studio Facebook Page.

https://www.facebook.com/EmilyLupitaStudio/

Thank you to the Iowa Natural Heritage Fund for supporting my work!

Blessings,

Emily Lupita

New Painting – Chaos Lupita

I thought I could be finished painting. I went months and months without picking up a pen or brush. I felt so devastated by my mom’s severe stroke…and her brain damage and paralysis that followed. To see her continued suffering through a very difficult recovery process, a long recovery process, and not be able to really help her – it has been so hard for all my family.

But my Mom, she’s a warrior. And she has been fighting every single day to make progress with her physical therapy. She’s able to sit in a wheelchair for a few hours now despite still being paralyzed on the left side. She’s able to eat a normal diet now, after months and months of eating therapy. We’re so proud and grateful for these improvements. We’re so thankful we still have her with us.

And…amid all of this…Mom started painting again. She’s doing a bird series. She asks the nurses to move her next to the window for natural light. She has a set-up on her tray to help her manage the paper and paint and brushes. She paints with her one good hand and uses her paralyzed hand to hold down the paper. Unfortunately, Mom has lost her muscle memory she developed from a lifetime of painting as a result of her brain damage. This means she has to start all over again. She has to learn to paint all over again. And yet, Mom continues to paint because she loves it. Because it gives her joy. Because it helps her connect with the world.

Mom has inspired me. And here I go. Drawing again. I have a new series I’m working on. I’m calling it the “Chaos Lupita” series because that’s how this year has been for me. Art imitating life.

Many blessings,

Emily Lupita

 

My Beautiful Mama – Brain Surgery

My beautiful Mama. She has been my life-long teacher in art. Mom suffered a brain bleed and stroke two weeks ago, and was flown by helicopter for emergency brain surgery. She survived the surgery, but still has swelling on her brain. For now she is still paralyzed on her left side and has a feeding port because she can’t swallow.

These are a few pictures of the latest quilt we made together. My painting on fabric and her quilting and sewing. My boys just love it.

It’s devastating for me to see my vibrant, artistic, creative Mama so silent and immobile in her hospital bed. But she’s a true fighter – a modern day warrior – and she will come back to us, I know.

To read more, get updates, and join her community of supporters, please visit Juana (Jane) Plum’s Stroke Recovery Go Fund Me page at this link:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/6sdalco

Many Thanks and Blessings,

Emily Lupita

Artist & Author

www.EmilyLupitaStudio.com

New Painting – Lupita and Her Captain 2.0

My newest painting is modeled after a photograph of me holding my son, Charlie. These are a few of the steps I went through to create the painting. I used an Apple Pencil and the software called Procreate. It’s very calming and relaxing for me to paint this way. I love playing with color and texture, with the different layers upon layers.

Blessings,

Emily Lupita

Artist & Author

www.EmilyLupitaStudio.com

New Handmade Artwork

There’s been a flurry of activity on my art desk these past few days. I promised myself I wouldn’t give up on my artwork and would finish new items in time for Christmas.

There are 100 items in my online ETSY Art Shop as of today…a long time goal of mine. Yay!

Here’s a look at some of the Christmas cards (instant download to print at home), art books, handmade Turkish design earrings, and Lupita ornaments. The Christmas tree ornaments are made from my miniature original watercolor paintings. I coat them onto mini canvases and add ribbons to create the ornaments.

It’s been joyous for me to have spent time immersed in art again. Sending wishes for a beautiful holiday season to you and your family.

Blessings,

Emily Lupita

Artist & Author

Emily Lupita Studio

First Layer of Color

I’ve been slowly filling in the first layer of color on my new family portrait. I wanted to start over using the portrait I painted a few years ago as a base and draw everyone together, adding in our new baby, Archer. Now that this first layer is finished I can add in layers of what I call “style” – freelance swirls, chevrons, stripes, dots and the like…they make me happy.

Blessings,

Emily Lupita

Artist & Author

Emily Lupita Studio

About Artist Emily Lupita

🌟 Hello! I’m Emily Lupita. Thank you for reading my blog & joining me on my journey of art & discovery.

Artist & Author Bio

Emily Lupita is an award-winning artist & author working out of her home studio in the greater Atlanta area. She paints, writes & illustrates books, and designs jewelry from her unique & brightly-colored artwork.

Emily Lupita’s books include “The Artist’s Alphabet: 26 Words to Encourage Creativity” and “Wonderful You: A Book of Art & Encouragement.” She is currently working on her next project – “Birds in Boots” – a bedtime book for children.

Emily Lupita’s unique style is composed of vivid colors mixed with black ink lines. She uses ‘irodori’ Japanese watercolors and Sakura inks on Arches 140lb watercolor paper. Emily Lupita has shown her artwork & jewelry at hundreds of art shows & festivals around the United States. She currently has work available for purchase in her online Art Shop and at The Local Exchange in Marietta, Georgia, USA.

Emily Lupita lives in the great Atlanta Metro area with her husband and their two sons, the Captain and Archer. She also has two long-haired miniature dachshunds who brighten every room they enter.

Two great places to get to know Emily Lupita are on her blog and Facebook page.